Archives:
The Chinkees
In June, The Chinkees released a four-song EP, marking their first new material since 2002. We spoke with singer Mike Park, (Asian Man Records founder, member of The Bruce Lee Band / Ogikubo Station) and talked about how the EP was recorded and what inspired some of its lyrics. We also addressed the band’s name, which of course is not meant to be offensive, but rather draw attention to the existence of racism. Additionally, we discussed the Black Lives Matter movement, the current political climate in the U.S. and more.
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Bruce Lee Band
In late October, the Bruce Lee Band released their latest EP, called Rental!! Eviction!! We spoke with singer Mike Park last week and discussed how it was written and recorded. We also talked about some of the song’s lyrics and their recent shows in San Francisco and Hawaii. On this recording, the band’s lineup consists Jeff Rosenstock on bass, Dan Potthast on keyboards and guitar, and Kevin Higuchi on drums, (Park is responsible for vocals and saxophone). Rental!! Eviction!! marks the band’s fifth release and it’s likely their most cohesive and catchiest to date. With lyrics that address a range of topics and the inclusion of various genres, this is an EP that’s sure to appeal to a wide audience.
Continue Reading…Ogikubo Station – We Can Pretend Like
Asian Man Records – Release Date: 8/24/18
Next month, Ogikubo Station will release their debut full-length, called We Can Pretend Like. The band features Maura Weaver, (Mixtapes) and Mike Park, (Skankin’ Pickle, The Chinkees). While not sounding particularly similar to the aforementioned groups, this project is likely to be eagerly received by fans of heartfelt, melodic indie rock. The album begins with “I’ve Been Thinking of St. Louis,” a track that does an excellent job of setting the tone for what’s to follow. Its sparse arrangement allows for Weaver’s exceptional vocal performance to really shine through and highlight the lyrics, which alternate between a sense of reflection and an eye on the future, (a theme found throughout the record). The next song, “Take a Piece of All That’s Good,” is more of a full band effort and decidedly catchy without overtly trying to be. It includes a driving rhythm and dual vocals, and recalls a past relationship in hopes of making sense of what dissolved. “Drowning at the Watering Hole” is infectiously poppy, packed with ‘80s keyboards and sounds like a mix of The Cars and The Get Up Kids. It talks of missing an old friend when in unfamiliar surroundings and a desire to let that person know you still care.
The title track takes a softer and more acoustic-based turn, with vulnerable vocals that reflect the sensitive nature of the lyrics. Weaver sings, “If you stand still, nothing will change / When you can’t let go, it’ll eat you whole,” and with these words she seemingly captures what’s at the heart of this record. On “Strong as You,” Park assumes lead vocals and delivers a very personal and somber account of his father’s battle with cancer. It seamlessly transitions into “Weak Souls Walk Around Here,” a rock-tinged entry that contains some of Park’s strongest vocals and arguably the album’s most memorable chorus. The record appropriately wraps up with “Let the World Know,” a song that turns its gaze outward, examining the current landscape and calling for change. In times such as these, a desire for positivity, compassion and a better existence is something that likely resonates with nearly everyone.
With We Can Pretend Like, Ogikubo Station has produced a collection of songs that vary in style, yet also maintain a sense of cohesion. On the surface, the songwriting is rather straightforward and unforced, but multiple listens reveal layers of detail and intricacies. There’s an emphasis on unique vocal arrangements and earnest lyrics, which help to form the foundation of what is a very promising and complete album. For those wanting to get in on the ground floor, you can preorder the record here.
Dowsing
This Friday, Dowsing will release its third full-length and first for Asian Man Records, titled Okay. We recently caught up with singer/guitarist Erik Czaja and guitarist Mikey Crotty to talk about the album in detail, (the band’s lineup is rounded-out by bassist Michael Politowicz and drummer William Lange). We discussed what it was like writing and recording the record, as well as the story behind its title. We also spoke about some of the album’s lyrics, their upcoming tour and more. Be sure to check out a song from the record after the interview, called “Dissolve.” Continue Reading…
Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room
Photo by Katie Hovland
Last month, the second full-length from Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room was released by Asian Man Records. Entitled Party Adjacent, the album is much more of a collaborative, full-band effort than the first Emergency Room record. We spoke with Dan about how he brought together this group of musicians and what it was like working with producer Jeff Rosenstock. We also talked about how this project compares to Dan’s principal gig as the singer/bassist for Alkaline Trio. Also discussed was the album’s writing and recording process, the meaning behind some of its songs, future touring plans and more. Continue Reading…
Dan Potthast
Photo by Katie Hovland
Dan Potthast, best known as the singer/guitarist of MU330, recently embarked on the “Dan P. Living Room Tour 2014.” The nationwide trek began in early June and will conclude in August, and we caught up with Dan shortly after he played Chicago to discuss the tour. We talked about what inspired this journey, how it was planned and what some of the shows have been like so far. We also spoke about his latest solo album, My Living Room, which came out in conjunction with the tour. Additional topics discussed include Dan’s other music projects, future plans and more. Continue Reading…
Great Apes
Photo by Katie Hovland
This fall, Great Apes will release their debut full-length, entitled Thread, via Asian Man Records and Side With Us Records. The band plays a straightforward style of melodic punk, that’s highlighted by earnest vocals and skilled musicianship. For a relatively new band, they display a surprising amount of versatility and confidence. In short, Thread is one hell of an introductory album that’s not to be overlooked. We recently met with singer/guitarist Brian Moss and talked about the writing and recording of their record. We also discussed their summer tour with All Eyes West, why they’re eager to work with Asian Man, and more. Lastly, be sure to check out an exclusive stream of the song “The Edge of the Western World” at the end of the interview. Continue Reading…
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